Motorola posts up video of the Charm

OK, we admit it. Despite our public loathing of Motoblur, the Motorola Charm (just announced for T-Mobile) has piqued our interest a bit, given that it'll be the first front-facing QWERTY Android phone. Motorola's done up a cute little video showing off its latest. And while we're not exactly convinced it's going to be the Android messenger we've been dreaming of, we're definitely looking forward to giving it a shot. Check it out after the break. Thanks, Miguel!

Leaked T-Mobile roadmap shows some blurry handsets on the way

This tall piece of blurriness you see here reportedly is a leaked T-Mobile roadmap, and we see at least a few known Android smartphones listed, as well as some likely comers. There's no real telling what the dates mean, or just how legit this is. But let's break it down anyway:

The myTouch 3G, Cliq and Cliq XT look to possibly be getting their Eclair updates in August.

The HTC Vanguard (there's a new name) is listed at Sept. 9, and the Charm looks to be slated for an update right around then.

The HTC Emerald (there's a name that goes back to the Project Emerald moniker) is marked at Nov. 5 or so, along with the Motorola Jordan and what could be the Begonia (tell us that code name's wrong, please).

Another HTC phone -- the Schubert?) is under Nov. 17.

Remember that a good bunch of what you see here is completely unofficial and unconfirmed, so we'll have to see how this pans out. And as far as those future phones go, there's no telling whether they're Android, or may the eventual launch of Windows Phone 7. But that said, there's a good possibility that T-Mobile's got one hell of a fall lineup coming our way. [via AndroidSpin]

Qualcomm teams with Mattel, Ga. Tech for Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Androids

And now for something truly awesome. Some fellas from Georgia Tech (Go Jackets!), in partnership with Qualcomm in their Augmented Reality Game Studio, have created a Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots game using Qualcomm's new Augmented Reality platform and recently-introduced SDK. You just point the app at a special arena map and the robots spring to life in your world. As a bonus, Qualcomm has included location and compass support, so moving around in space gives you a different perspective on your game. Check the video after the break [via Android and Me]

Evo vs. iPhone video author keeps his Best Buy job, but doesn't want it back

This saga of the hilarious Evo vs. iPhone videos produced by a Best Buy employee just got even better. When last we heard, Brian Maupin, 25, had been suspended by the retailer while it conducted some sort of investigation. His job hung in the balance. The investigation -- which we have a hard time typing while keeping a straight face -- concluded, and Best Buy chose not to fire Maupin, who then said thanks, but no thanks, and is looking for work elsewhere.

Takes some stones to do that, for sure. Good luck, Brian, and thanks for the laughs. Check out Best Buy's statement and Maupin's reaction -- as well as the videos in question -- after the break. (Warning: Foul language ahead) [via TechCrunch]

Google made a pretty big splash at its Google IO conference when it said the browser on Android 2.2 is the world's fastest. And Ars Technica has done some legwork that backs up that claim. In the chart above, you can clearly see Froyo on the Nexus One beats the radio signal out of iOS on the iPhone 4 in SunSpider and V8 benchmarks. So while you're taunting your iPhone-using friends by, oh, actually using your phone in front of them, show 'em this chart while you're at it. [Ars Technica]

Evo 4G gets a Lego dock to perch upon

We often say that Android Central forum members are the best around, and here's yet another example. Skippyrulz crafted a dock for his Sprint Evo 4G out of Legos (mostly from an Indiana Jones fighter plane set, he says), and the result is what you see above. OK, so a more consistent paint job wouldn't hurt, but that's still pretty darn cool. Check out his post for more pics. [Android Central Forums]

A few lucky souls getting their Droid X's early

The whispers are true, folks. A few lucky souls already are getting their Motorola Droid X's, more than a week before they're set to go on sale July 15. And one such person is coerulea in the Android Central Forums, whose brought us a trio of photos of his new prize. Anybody else hit the lottery today? Sing out, shout from the rooftops, and above all, post some pics. [Android Central Forums]

Motorola Charm smiles for the camera

The Motorola Charm, one of the devices being touted as a T-Mobile back to school special, appears to have made an appearance in a T-Mobile store. While there really isn't much new to come from the small hands on that appears to have been had, we have learned that the device does have a touchpad on the back of the device similar to the Backflip. Sadly, we are still unaware of what Android version the device is actually running, or if the device will launch as the T-Mobile Basil, since that is what the packaging refers to this "project" as. Well, we can hope that since it has made its appearance in store now we will get a firm release date, as well as more specs on the device in the near future. [via TMoNews]

Flash exploit enables root for latest Evo update

Although that latest OTA patch for the Evo 4G had some launching quirks, you can't deny that it brought some great things for our beloved Evo – better battery life, improved exchange sync support, and overall just a more stable system. There is one thing behind the curtains that not everyone’s aware of though, and that’s the fact that it completely crushed our precious root exploits. As to be expected, a lot of people were upset about this, and a $600 bounty was put up for whoever could crack the code. Luckily, the “leetest of the leet” over at XDA finally figured it out, and the path they took was somewhat of a surprise. Achieving root through a Flash cookie exploit has never been done before, so it marks yet another milestone hurdle the Evo clears. Fortunately enough for all noobs, the process isn’t really all that complicated. Just make sure you know your ADB’s. [XDA via DaringFireball]

At this point I'd like to ask everyone to turn off their WiFi...err I mean put down their pitchforks and rotten fruit. All sharp objects put away? HTC says to expect Froyo on their handsets by Christmas. And since you all are safely empty handed, he also says not to expect Gingerbread anytime this year. Allow me to quote Mr. Lin:

"It takes time to port all of our applications over to Froyo and then make sure that it is running well on each of our devices. That’s not like a one week kind of project. We need to make sure that our applications are taking advantage of the Froyo features. To make sure that they’re all running properly on the OS now that it’s a new version. And then to make sure that it's running on our hardware as well as we expect."

Update from Phil: Good lord, people. OK, we should have included the following line (but were trying to to steal all of Pocket-Lint's quotes). Said Mr. Lin: "I would believe that we would be done with our Froyo updates before Christmas." Updates could come next week. Or next month. Or the month after. Regardless, everybody have a little patience. You'll get Froyo in due time. This reaction is why we never get more than a ballpark time line.

Guess the guys and gals in the federal government saw our hands-on with the Logitech Revue Google TV set-top box and figured they should give it the what-for as well. ... What's that? It can't be released to the public without the FCC's blessing? OK, fine. We understand. But that's not going to stop us from calling "First!" Or at least "Second!" [FCC via Engadget]

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White HTC Evo 4G makes early appearance at Best Buy

The white HTC Evo 4G, a Best Buy exclusive, should be available for purchase this Sunday, July 11, but some lucky people are seeing them a full five days early. Even better, it seems that at least a few Best Buy stores aren't being shy about handing out the white version of HTC's latest masterpiece to customers who pre-ordered either. If you were waiting for a shiny white Evo and had the foresight to pre-order one, might want to get on the horn with your local Best Buy and see if they have your sitting in stock -- waiting for you to bring home and add it to the family. Be sure to shout out, and some pictures would be awesome :) [Engadget]

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